Governor endorses McKinney to remain state treasurer

TOPEKA -- Gov. Mark Parkinson Wednesday announced in a news release his strong support for Dennis McKinney in his bid for State Treasurer.

"Dennis has demonstrated a remarkable ability to work across party lines and a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. From serving in the Kansas Legislature, to helping lead the rebuilding of Greensburg, to becoming State Treasurer, I have witnessed Dennis' leadership first-hand and no one could be better suited for the job," said Parkinson, a fellow Democrat.

McKinney faces Republican challenger Ron Estes of Wichita in the Nov. 2 general election.

"As governor, I have used my business experience to make difficult choices with our budget by cutting a billion dollars out of state government. Understanding the challenges we face, Dennis set an example by cutting his own salary as his first act as State Treasurer. He then showed the necessary leadership by cutting spending in the treasurer's office and returning the money back to Kansas taxpayers, all the while increasing the level of services the office provides to Kansans, Parkinson said.

McKinney took office as Kansas State Treasurer in January 2009.

Under his leadership, the release said, the State Treasurer's Office has reduced expenses while setting records in returning unclaimed property to rightful owners, increasing participation in the state higher education savings plan and reforming its housing loan program to create jobs around the state.

Responding to the state's budget crisis, McKinney cut his salary by 4 percent while the Treasurer's team managed operations to not only absorb budget cuts but return over $65,000 to the state in fiscal year 2010.

"While other states are falling behind, Gov. Parkinson showed extraordinary leadership by bringing together Republicans and Democrats to balance the state budget and further Kansas' economic recovery," said McKinney.

"I am very honored to receive the support of a leader who has demonstrated that in order to move Kansas forward, we must work together, and I hope to continue to instill the same values as Kansas' State Treasurer," McKinney said.